Time to change your clocks and the batteries in all smoke alarms

TORONTO , Oct. 30 /CNW/ -

NEWS

Daylight savings ends on November 1st and the Office of the Fire Marshal (OFM) is recommending residents replace the old batteries in their smoke alarms when they change their clocks this weekend.

In order to survive a fire, you need to be provided with an early warning and know what to do when the smoke alarms sound. It's the law to have working smoke alarms on every storey of the home and outside all sleeping areas. For added protection, it is recommended to also install smoke alarms inside all bedrooms.

Tampering with or removing batteries from your smoke alarms is against the law. Failure to comply with the Fire Code smoke alarm requirements can result in a ticket for $235 or a fine of up to $50,000 .

QUOTES

"In order for smoke alarms to do their job, they need to have working batteries," explained Doug Crawford , Deputy Fire Marshal of Ontario. "Once a year, old batteries should be replaced with new batteries. When you change your clocks this weekend, the OFM wants everyone to take the time to change the batteries in all smoke alarms."

LEARN MORE

To download the print Public Service Announcement Change your Clocks and the Batteries in all Smoke Alarms, visit www.ofm.gov.on.ca.

For further information: Gina Pontikas, Office of the Fire Marshal, [phone]; Bev Gilbert, Office of the Fire Marshal, [phone]